Dram Review: Yoichi 12 Years Old Woody & Vanillic

This is a bottle supplied to Nikka bars in Japan exclusively. Bottled at 55% ABV. In many ways, keynote bottles such as this that aim to showcase the wide spectrum of the flavour profile that goes into the standard Yoichi range are more sought after by cask strength heads such as myself.

Nose:

An intense sandalwood note initially, a thick honey sweetness. Toasted vanilla pod and coconut milk chocolate. A hint of cloves on the backend.

Palate & Finish:

A lovely sweetness on the palate with tangling spices coming through. There is the presence of vanilla cream of course, but there are also bright tropical fruit notes as well. Pineapples and oranges with a clean woodiness dropping by.

A creamy cocoa finish with some youthful citrus spices playfully dancing in the background. Just delightful. The creaminess lingers on for a satisfying finish.

Thoughts:

Personally, I really enjoyed this one. A delicious drop. Although it’s focused on displaying the woody and vanillic elements, this whisky is in no way incomplete.